The international classification system for drugs of medicinal origin divides all medicines into groups. The basis for this is the pharmacological action of substances. This article will tell you about one of these groups. It includes neuraminidase inhibitors. You will find out which active ingredients are their basis, as well as get acquainted with their trade names.
Neuraminidase inhibitors
Before talking about drugs, it is necessary to characterize this pharmacological group. Neuraminidase is a kind of enzyme. It is present on the membrane surface of all influenza viruses. After contact with a cell of the human body, toxic substances are released. It is they who cause the onset of symptoms of the disease: fever, weakness, headache, and so on.
Neuraminidase inhibitors get inside the virus. They inhibit the activity of pathogenic microorganisms, preventing their subsequentreproduction and contact with he althy cells. The development of such drugs began in the 1960s. The first products produced made it possible to study in detail their effect on viral infections.
Neuraminidase inhibitors: drugs and their active ingredients
Modern pharmacology offers to purchase two main drugs that can be characterized by a similar effect. Their trade names are Tamiflu and Relenza. Both drugs are used to prevent and treat influenza of different strains. Neuraminidase inhibitors are sold only on prescription. It is also allowed to use medicines in a hospital according to indications. It is not recommended to take such medicines for pregnant women and nursing mothers. Contraindication for use will be children under 5 years of age. Renal and liver failure is a reason for a separate consultation before use.
The active ingredients of these drugs differ in name and method of administration. The drug "Tamiflu" contains oseltamivir in its composition. The drug is available in the form of capsules with bulk contents for internal use. The drug "Relenza" is an inhalation agent. The active ingredient is zanamivir.
Method of using drugs
How are neuraminidase inhibitors (flu) used? You already know that both medicines are prescribed by a doctor. To purchase drugs, you will needcorresponding recipe. Therefore, the dosage and duration of application is usually chosen by a specialist. But the instructions also have information about this:
- The drug "Tamiflu" in adult patients and children over 12 years of age is used twice a day, one tablet. The duration of the course is 5 days. For children under 12 years of age, it is preferable to use a suspension in the amount of 30-75 mg of oseltamivir (depending on body weight) twice a day.
- Relenza is delivered by inhalation. The instruction recommends using 10 mg of the substance (2 inhalations) twice a day. Therapy continues for 5 days. For prevention, 10 mg of the drug is used once a day for 10 days.
Efficacy and adverse reactions
Experts say influenza neuraminidase inhibitors will be more effective the sooner treatment is started. Therefore, you need to consult a doctor at the first symptoms. The doctor will prescribe you the necessary studies that will help determine further tactics of action. Both drugs are effective in the fight against influenza viruses (including mutated ones). Unlike other antiviral agents, neuraminidase inhibitors show high efficiency. Within a few hours after the first application, the patient feels better.
Importantly, Relenza and Tamiflu can be combined with other drugs to treat influenza, its symptoms and complications. By the way, drugs also have side effects. For example, the Relenza inhaler cancause dyspnea and bronchospasm. Rarely there is an allergy in the form of edema. Means "Tamiflu" is taken orally. Therefore, it has more negative consequences: abdominal pain, allergies, exacerbation of kidney and liver diseases, neuropsychiatric disorders.
Summarize
Neuraminidase inhibitors are an excellent tool in the fight against influenza viruses. During epidemics, they can be taken for the purpose of prevention. But experts do not recommend using these medicines without special need. In addition, you cannot purchase medicines on your own. If a pharmacist offers you to buy Tamiflu or Relenza without a prescription, then be aware that it may be fake. The use of such medications not only worsens the course of the disease, but can be life-threatening. Stay he althy!
